2016 Detroit auto show top picks and favorite cars

After dozens of press conferences and gallons of coffee, another North American International Auto Show is in the books. This year featured the usual acres of new sheetmetal and concepts from almost every automaker. We saw a Buick stunner (love the paint!), new pickups from Honda and Nissan, a gorgeous Kia crossover, the new Porsche 911 Turbo and a lot more. Here are the highlights.

BEST IN SHOW: Buick Avista

Rumors were flying prior to the show that Buick was going to reveal a sports-car concept, and we hoped to see the mighty Grand National reborn. Turns out the Avista is more a modern-day Riviera—not a bad thing—and a worthy successor to the Avenir concept Buick showed last year. There’s some carryover; you can see it in the fastback lines, but it’s especially prevalent in the clean, flowing interior.

Buick boss Duncan Aldred says the Avista “stretches the boundaries of what is possible for Buick.”

Will the General Motors division build it? Aldred said it’s feasible, adding there is a need and desire for rear-wheel drive at Buick, “so I wouldn’t rule anything out.”

Others considered:None

Photo by Autoweek

MOST SIGNIFICANT: Chrysler Pacifica

More than 30 years ago, Chrysler gave the world the minivan, and it wasn’t long before the boxy, useful thing worked its way into millions of hearts. Then SUVs and crossovers happened, and the humble minivan became uncool. Chrysler is hoping to reignite the flame with the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, the company’s shot at revitalizing the segment with fresh styling, loads of tech and fuel economy that’s up to 80 mpg equivalent, according to Chrysler. The new vans have two powertrains available: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, good for 287 hp and 262 lb-ft, and a plug-in hybrid system combining a modified Atkinson-cycle version of the 3.6-liter (248 hp, 230 lb-ft) with a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery and an FCA-patented “electrically variable transmission with dual-motor EV drive capability.” On sale this spring.

Others considered:

Honda Ridgeline

Genesis G90

Kia Telluride concept

BEST CONCEPT: Kia Telluride

The handsome Telluride concept is a three-row, seven-passenger peek at what a future premium Kia offering could look like, especially if suicide doors come back into vogue. We wouldn’t be shocked if something like the Telluride ended up in Hyundai’s new upscale Genesis division. The concept rides on a stretched Sorento platform, and here’s something unique: Kia says the seatbacks are fitted with sensors measuring and displaying passengers’ vital signs on the interior door panels. They synchronize with a Light Emitted Rejuvenation system, using an LED panel located below the sunroof to display a pattern of therapeutic light to treat jetlag, thus improving passenger energy levels. Or something.

Others Considered:

Acura Precision

Audi H Tron

Ford Raptor Photo by Autoweek

MOST FUN: Ford Raptor

The new Raptor pickup ditches the last model’s V8 in favor of a Ford GT-sourced 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 (yeah, baby!). Output hasn’t been revealed, but Ford says look for more than the outgoing truck’s 411 hp and 434 lb-ft. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Ford’s Terrain Management System with modes for street, mud/sand, rocks and weather.

The 2017 Ford Raptor goes on sale this fall. Pricing hasn’t been announced but should be close to the last Raptor’s $45,000 tag.

Others considered:

BMW M2

Lexus LC 500

BMW M2 Photo by Autoweek

BMW

BMW calls the M2 “highly anticipated,” and for once we have to agree with an automaker’s press release.